Federal Work-Study Program
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What Is Federal Work-Study?
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides eligible students with part-time employment opportunities to help cover educational expenses while attending college. The program encourages community service and employment that supports students’ educational and career goals.
Student Eligibility Requirements
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Complete the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Designate Laney College as your home college.
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Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
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Maintain enrollment in at least six units within the Peralta Community College District.
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Meet applicable student employment eligibility requirements.
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Complete the Student Employment Pool application and required hiring documentation.
Eligibility depends on Financial Aid Office review, demonstrated financial need, available funding, and applicable hiring requirements.
We’re Hiring Student Workers!
Earn money, gain valuable work experience, and work on campus through the Federal Work-Study Program. Take the first step and see if you’re eligible.
How to Apply & Get Hired
1. Complete the FAFSA
Complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA and designate Laney College as your home college.
2. Check Your Pre-Eligibility
Use Laney College’s existing “Am I Eligible?” Federal Work-Study questionnaire for preliminary screening. Completing the questionnaire does not guarantee eligibility, funding, or employment.
3. Apply to the Student Employment Pool
Complete the Peralta Community College District Student Employment Pool application through SchoolJobs (NEOGOV). Save your application confirmation.
4. Explore Campus Employment Opportunities
Contact campus departments and speak with supervisors or managers about potential openings. The FWS Team also works with departments seeking student workers and may contact eligible students on its waiting list about opportunities.
5. Contact the Federal Work-Study Team
If a department is interested in hiring you, email your Student Employment Pool application confirmation, the department name, and the supervisor or manager’s name and contact information to laneyfws@peralta.edu. Students referred from the waiting list will receive instructions from the FWS Team.
6. Federal Work-Study Request Form
The FWS Team coordinates the Federal Work-Study Request Form, including eligibility review and required hiring department information.
7. Hiring Packet Coordination
After the request form is completed, the FWS Team sends it directly to the Student Services Specialist, who coordinates the official hiring packet with the student.
8. Receive HR Authorization
Complete all required employment documentation and wait for official Human Resources approval before beginning work. Processing may take approximately 6–8 weeks.
Employment Eligibility Documentation
Students must complete Form I-9 employment eligibility verification. Students may present one acceptable List A document, or a combination of one List B document and one List C document. Students may choose which acceptable documents to present.
USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents ➔
How Much Will I Make?
Federal Work-Study students are paid according to applicable minimum wage requirements and approved District pay rates. The City of Oakland minimum wage is $17.34 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. [Confirm the applicable District FWS pay rate before publication.]
How Will I Be Paid?
Timesheets must be submitted, and all hours worked must be accurately entered into the Human Capital Management (HCM) system by the last working day of each month. Students will receive payment on the 15th of the following month.
Questions?
Contact the Laney College Federal Work-Study Team at laneyfws@peralta.edu.